There was a time that I used to keep well informed about computer tech. Now, I just want the thing to work and leave me alone.

Long ago, I started using external storage for the bulk of my files. I typically use a PC with a couple small drives installed, and work with external drives. In the past few versions of this setup, I have used eSATA connections from my PC, using a port multiplier card to give me access to external drive enclosures  (typically 4 bay). It worked fine for my application.

But, time moves on, and the eSATA tech seems to be fading from common use. It seems that USB3 is a good replacement for eSATA, and most current PC's seem to have usb3 ports.

What do you folks who are "up to date" with the current tech and future trends suggest? What do you use?

I need a 4 or 5 bay enclosure, set up simply as JBOD, (no RAID), with its own external power. (current version has 4 two GB hardrives installed...)

I use a completely separate, independent system for backups.

Whatever it is, I think two criterion are very important:

1. Automatic so it happens all the time.
2. Local storage for convenience of retrieval, and offsite storage for safety from fire/theft/confiscation/etc.

I need to update too, so thank you for your question.

Personally I would build a non-portable storage solution around thunderbolt 2.  It's ridiculously fast (20Gb/s) and more than capable of driving whatever amount or speed of storage you throw at it.  The trouble with it is that the hardware (basically everything but the drives) is expensive.  But you can get any number of Thunderbolt PCI cards for your machine (assuming you are working with a desktop machine).

Otherwise there's not much to fault about USB 3.x. The technology is ubiquitous and pretty fast.

But for maximum throughput Thunderbolt 2 is currently the way to go for a consumer device.

Depends on your budget, of course.

I dont know much about Thunderbolt. Apple/Intel did most of the development work on the current version, right? I know it has a better thruput than USB3. How common is the interface outside Apple products right now? Do you think it will become even more common?

Do you think Thunderbolt will become as common as USB3?

One of the things I DONT like about eSATA is having to put a port multiplier card in whatever machines I want to use... I would have to add a Thunderbolt card to any of my machines now...

My crystal ball is cloudy    I am trying to avoid something that turns out to be as short lived as eSATA was as the "way to go".

Another question... When talking about a single user like me... is there a "real" difference between USB3 at ~4GB and Thunderbolt at 8 or 10GB--- I can see how that would make a huge difference in a multiuser environment, but when one guy is reading and writing to a single disk (or array) will it even be noticeable?

ETA: Regarding the "portability". The only portability factor here is the ability to move cables from one computer to another "if needed". The current disk enclosure I use is nearly as heavy (with drives and power supply) as my desktop computer is... not something I am willing to casually tote from one place to the next.

Again, this is for my working drives--- chances are I will also migrate my "back ups" to a parallel but separate system of external drives, much like I am using now.

And Thanks Wye for the input, it is appreciated---Anyone else?

A Connection Convergence again ---    USB type-C   (USB 3 and Thunderbolt support)

Intel’s incredibly fast Thunderbolt 3 switches to USB-C connector
http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/2072 … bolt-speed

Asustek preps add-in-card with Thunderbolt 3/USB type-C ports
http://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/anto … e-c-ports/

Intel unveils Thunderbolt 3: USB type-C connector and 40Gb/s bandwidth
http://www.kitguru.net/laptops/mobile/a … bandwidth/



LaCie d2 Thunderbolt-2 & USB 3.0 Desktop Hard Drive 3TB
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O1Q94RE?psc=1

Belkin Thunderbolt 2 Express HD Dock with 1-Meter Thunderbolt Data Transfer Cable, Mac and PC Compatible
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAWCU7G?psc=1